As she feels the weight of her giant centipede on her arm, junior Emma Traub-Merino is much more concerned about the safety of her invertebrate than a potential venomous bite. Traub-Merino is the caretaker of eight centipedes, as well as 31 other venomous snakes, spiders, scorpions and cockroaches.
According to Traub-Merino, people often lack understanding of these animals and are quick to misjudge them due to their appearances.
“I’ve always loved reptiles and invertebrates,” Traub-Merino said. “Everything deserves compassion and love, and not a lot of people give that to invertebrates. I love centipedes, but a lot of people give them a bad name. The fact that so few people have appreciation for them just makes me want to give them everything I can.”
Traub-Merino’s mother, Shauna Traub, has watched her daughter grow up alongside her animals. While there used to be a rule in their household that Traub-Merino could not have more pets than her age, according to Shauna Traub, her daughter’s relentless and passionate pleading was hard to refuse.
“She’ll name an animal or species, and I’ll say, ‘No, we have enough animals.’ But she’s relentless, and she keeps at it, does all the research and learns everything there is to know about them. Eventually, we find another one in our home,” Shauna Traub said.
According to Traub-Merino, taking care of 39 animals is not as difficult as one might think. She keeps track of her pets through a list on a whiteboard, and usually finishes her daily caretaking responsibilities within 30 minutes.
“Taking care of my animals has made me realize that some things just can’t be put off,” Traub-Merino said. “These are like children. You are responsible for their lives, so it teaches you a lot of responsibility. “
Having so many venomous animals in one’s house would make most people nervous. According to Shauna Traub, even when Traub-Merino gets bites, her own safety is the least of her concerns.
“When she got a really bad bite one time, she wasn’t concerned about her pain or about what might happen to her,” Shauna Traub said. “She wasn’t afraid of the centipede. She just said, ‘The poor baby must be so confused right now.’”
Indicated by Shauna Traub, despite Traub-Merino’s pets’ inability to express emotion, their relationship is just as close as that of someone with a more conventional pet. Traub-Merino has had sympathy for and held an interest in misunderstood animals since she was a child, from grasshoppers to venomous centipedes.
“She’s always thought [in a compassionate manner] ever since she was little,” Shauna Traub said. “She was born this way. She has a very unique gift to connect with more eccentric and unique animals that are actually dangerous as well. I think it’s her gift.”
According to Traub-Merino, her dream is to become an exotic veterinarian. She hopes to educate people on the true intentions of invertebrates and reptiles, eventually inspiring more acceptance towards these species.
“There should be more conservation programs for reptiles so that they create awareness,” Traub-Merino said. “Awareness is power. If you are more aware, then you are less afraid.”
